The Federal Government has suspended all Christian pilgrimages to Israel following the deteriorating security situation in the Middle East.
The Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission announced that the decision became necessary after Israel declared a state of emergency amid escalating regional tensions.
According to the Commission’s Executive Secretary, Bishop Stephen Adegbite, the suspension applies to both government-sponsored pilgrimages and those organised by private operators.
He explained that the measure prioritises the safety and welfare of Nigerian pilgrims while authorities continue to monitor developments in the region.
Despite the suspension, the Commission confirmed that the 2025 pilgrimage exercise to Israel and Jordan has been successfully concluded, with the final batch of pilgrims returning safely to Lagos.
Adegbite urged Christians to pray for peace in Jerusalem and across the Middle East, expressing hope that stability will soon be restored to allow the resumption of religious travel.
